Arsenal splashed the cash to sign Thomas Partey from Atletico Madrid back in October, but the hunt is one for his midfield partner.
The Ghanaian has blown hot and cold at times this season, but it’s fair to say that his long-term partner isn’t currently with Arsenal.
Dani Ceballos is heading back to Real Madrid and Mohamed Elneny isn’t of the quality Arsenal need, whilst there are questions over Granit Xhaka’s future.
One interesting rumour about Xhaka emerged on Monday, with 90Min reporting that he is being discussed in a potential swap deal for Borussia Monchengladbach star Denis Zakaria.
It’s stated that Arsenal want to sign Zakaria as he enters the final 12 months of his deal, and discussions have been held over sending Xhaka in the opposite direction.
Xhaka starred at Gladbach before joining Arsenal in 2016, and he would surely be welcomed back in Germany amid claims from Sky Germany that he wants a return to the Bundesliga.
This could work for all parties; Zakaria wants a move, Gladbach fear his value is waning as his deal expires, Xhaka wants to go back to Germany and Gladbach get a ready-made replacement for Zakaria.
It would also give Arsenal a formidable midfield. Partey and Zakaria are both athletically gifted, but possess quality on the ball in terms of carrying and passing, whilst being able to protect their back four.
It’s easy to imagine Zakaria and Partey dovetailing in midfield for years to come at Arsenal, with Zakaria only 24 and still having time to improve and develop.
If Arsenal have the sturdy midfield base of Zakaria and Partey, the likes of Nicolas Pepe, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka will have real freedom to go forward.
Swap deals are never easy, Arsenal may have to send some money Gladbach’s way alongside Xhaka, but it’s certainly a deal worth doing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
